Denver sent defensive back Jeff Severson to the Cardinals on…
Denver sent defensive back Jeff Severson to the Cardinals on April 9, 1976 for the ninth-round pick used on Jim Lisko. Lisko never appeared in an NFL regular-season game. Severson played both 1976 and 1977 for the Cardinals, totaling 28 games, three starts and an interception. The Cardinals therefore converted a ninth-round pick into useful depth and own the clear win.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- player Jeff Severson
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 1976 ninth round pick (#260-Jim Lisko)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On April 9, 1976, Denver traded defensive back Jeff Severson to the St. Louis Cardinals for a ninth-round pick in that year's draft. Draft transaction records identify the selection as No. 260, Jim Lisko. The transaction package and date are supported, allowing a straightforward comparison of the realized returns.
Arizona/St. Louis Cardinals Return
Severson became immediate secondary depth. He played all 14 games in 1976 and all 14 again in 1977, starting three games in the second season and recording an interception. Twenty-eight appearances over two seasons are not star-level value, but they are exactly the kind of usable roster return teams hope to find when spending a ninth-round choice.
Denver Broncos Return
Denver used the acquired selection on Jim Lisko. Draft and career records show that Lisko did not appear in an NFL regular-season game. The Broncos therefore received the expected optionality of a late pick at the time of the trade but no realized NFL on-field value from the player selected.
Value in Hindsight
Because the cost was only a ninth-round pick, the Cardinals' win should stay measured. Severson was a depth player rather than a cornerstone. Still, two full seasons of appearances and several starts clearly exceed a draft outcome that never reached an NFL regular-season game.
Final Verdict
The Cardinals win. St. Louis earns a B- for converting a ninth-round pick into 28 games of secondary depth. Denver earns a D+ because its acquired selection produced no NFL appearances. The realized gap supports a clear but measured Cardinals advantage.